Last night, the Colorado Cleantech Industries Association (CCIA) presented awards to nine recipients at the annual “Colorado Cleantech Awards Celebration.” Recipients were acknowledged for their efforts in advancing Colorado’s cleantech ecosystem, increasing jobs and driving innovation in the cleantech sector.

“We are thrilled to recognize this year’s winners for their outstanding contributions to Colorado’s cleantech industry,” said Chris Shapard, CCIA’s executive director. “These individuals and companies represent the exceptional leadership and advanced technology development native to the state of Colorado. We look forward to watching them grow and implement their cutting-edge ideas and technologies across the cleantech sector.”

Winners were selected based on their ability to make an impact in the cleantech marketplace. Cleantech impact was gauged by examining the winners’ ability to achieve viable market strategies, entrepreneurial activity, an ability to raise funds to support technology development or commercialization efforts, and statewide job creation. Leaders were selected by a group of industry peers that ranged from venture capitalists and corporate strategists to current and former technology CEOs.

CCIA’s Leadership in Advancing Cleantech Award winners are:

National Cleantech Leader:
Colorado Energy Research Collaboratory

Governor’s Award For Excellence in Cleantech Leadership:
Charles (Chas) Eggert, OPXBIO

Cleantech Corporate Champion:
RK Mechanical

Cleantech Investor of the Year:
State of Colorado, Office of Economic Development and International Trade

High Impact Cleantech Company of the Year:
Silver Bullet Water Treatment

Breakout Cleantech Company of the Year:
Cool Planet Energy Systems

Emerging Cleantech Company of the Year:
WeatherCloud

Colorado Cleantech Entrepreneur of the Year:
Tim Reeser, Lightning Hybrids

Legislator of the Year:
The Honorable Rollie Heath

Award winners have the opportunity to travel with a CCIA delegation to Palo Alto in February 2014. Attendees will meet with leaders from the area’s angel, venture capital and strategic investors community. CCIA’s sponsors and partners will provide advisors for the attending companies.

About Colorado Cleantech Industries Association

Founded in 2008, CCIA is a statewide, industry-led, industry-focused organization dedicated to promoting Colorado’s cleantech industry. CCIA impacts Colorado’s policies, people, products and programs that drive expansion of a cleaner, cheaper, more efficient and secure energy economy. Through advocacy, public policy leadership, development and education, CCIA works to ensure that Colorado is a global cleantech leader. For more information, visit http://www.coloradocleantech.com.